Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall
You didn’t think we could forget about her, did you? Minerva McGonagall has been a steadily strong and authoritative character since the very first Harry Potter book. Although Professor Dumbledore is known as one of the greatest Headmasters Hogwarts ever had, he could not have possibly done it without the help of this strong and independent deputy headmistress. Professor McGonagall is also the Head of the house of Gryffindor and is by far one of the strongest women in the entire Harry Potter franchise.
Over the course of the Harry Potter movies, Minerva McGonagall proves that she is strong of heart, strict in her beliefs, but is also kind when it comes down to it. This strong and independent nature, along with her healthy priorities, come in handy when she fights in the Battle of Hogwarts and takes down the Carrows.
Julie Walters as Molly Weasley
It's fair to say that the Weasley family are like the family Harry never had (or wishes he didn't have with a family like the Dursley's), and what's more, is despite their many children, the Weasleys still accept Harry into their family, warmly and open-heartedly. From the very beginning, Molly Weasley treats Harry as one of her own, without a second thought about all the baggage that comes with caring for The Boy Who Lived.
Needless to say, they all become a very important part of Harry's life. Serving as Harry's adoptive mother, Molly Weasley is one of the most caring people in the entire franchise. But like a good mother, she always knows just when to put her foot down.
Julie Walters Now
Julie Walters' time as Molly Weasley on Harry Potter is just a line on her increasingly growing resume. After all, it is no secret that Walters is one of the most successful British actresses of all time. Julie Walters has decades of acting experience under her belt, and has appeared in some of the biggest blockbusters in history. Undoubtedly, you have seen her on your screen in countless roles and costume changes.
Most recently, she has appeared in Calendar Girls, Brave, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins Returns, and is scheduled to play a role in The Secret Garden, which is in production. She has also written a number of books, the latest of which is an autobiography. Now, you can know what it's like to be Julie for a day..
Maggie Smith Now
We all know that Maggie Smith is a legend in the world of Hollywood. I mean, this talented woman has been acting her way up for six straight decades. It's fair to say that this British actress has proven that she is a true force to be reckoned with. If you don't believe us, just ask the trail of honors, Emmys, Golden Globes, Academy Awards and so many others that this actress already has to her name.
Even the very Queen of England holds Mrs. Smith in high esteem. When looking at the actresses resume, the Harry Potter franchise seems so small in comparison with her entire body of work. In recent years, Maggie Smith has spent her time wow-ing the fans with her performance on Downtown Abbey.
Emma Thompson as Sybill Trelawney
Sybill Trelawney, The Hogwarts Divination teacher makes some strange and baseless predictions. She also usually messes up and as far as her co-workers are concerned, she may as well be a fraud. That is until we learn In The Order of the Phoenix that it was Professor Trelawney who predicted that a boy would be born in July, with parents who had defied The Dark Lord three times before, and that that boy would possess the power to defeat him.
This prediction caused Lord Voldemort to hunt down Harry and his parents that fateful Halloween night. So, you may think she is a bit off and a tad wacky but Sybill Trelawney plays a huge part in the franchise. In fact, without her, there would be no story to tell of at all!